Deni Junior Giants’ 2017-18 season is looking even bigger and better than previous years.

The young Giants will this year attend representative tournaments with eight teams, an increase of two teams from last season.

This will include an Under 12 mixed team, U-14 girls, U-16 girls, U-18 boys, two U-14 and two U-16 boys sides.

After a successful year on the courts last tournament season, the Giants committee has worked hard during the off season to ensure ongoing success.

The association worked hard not only to secure ongoing sponsorship from local businesses, but added the inclusion of major sponsors Central IGA, Elders, Rodwells, Deniliquin RSL, Park Agricultural services and Deniliquin Freighters. They were also able to purchase new uniforms.

President John Fitzpatrick said it’s important to listen to what your players and families want to ensure future participation and success.

‘‘Everyone loved our standout orange uniforms but they were just so heavy and hot,’’ he said.

‘‘To have our ongoing sponsors as well as the addition of our major sponsors this year has allowed us to purchase new light-weight uniforms ideal for player comfort.

‘‘Without this support from our sponsors, it would not have been possible.’’

The Junior Giants held an evening for their official team photos where the major sponsors were presented with a club singlet as a token of the Giants’ appreciation last Friday.

Earlier in the off-season the Giants committee was also able to hold a Level 1 coaching course to ensure all coaches are well equipped to pass on skills and knowledge to players.

The committee have been lucky enough to secure a skills development day for their players just before the start of the tournament season.

‘‘We are looking forward to having Chris from Basketball NSW join us today and tomorrow and provide two three-hour skills sessions for all players,’’ Fitzpatrick said.

‘‘This is such a wonderful opportunity for all the players to enhance their skills before the first tournament and we are pleased we are able to facilitate this for them.’’

The Giants open the representative season on October 27 and 28 with their first tournament in Swan Hill.

‘‘The Deni Junior Giants committee would like to thank their coaches, players, families and of course our generous sponsors — without these people, we would not be able to achieve what we have so far,’’ Fitzpatrick said.